Peer-led prenatal breast-feeding education: A viable alternative to nurse-led education.

Source: Midwifery, 2012, 28(1), p. 733-9.

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Date of publication: February, 2012.

Publication type: Research.

In a nutshell: An evaluation of a pre-natal breastfeeding class developed and facilitated by peer breastfeeding “buddies” in comparison with an established nurse-led class. The findings suggest that peer-led breastfeeding classes can enhance the accessibility of breastfeeding education and support for expectant mothers.

Length of publication: 8 pages.

Some important notes: This article is available in full text to all NHS Staff using Athens, for more information about accessing full text follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

The use of donor milk to support women’s choices.

Source: British Journal of Midwifery, 2012, 20 (2), p. 96-7.

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Date of publication: February, 2012.

Publication type: Journal article.

In a nutshell: A case study presented by an Infant Feeding Co-ordinator reflecting upon her experience of using donor milk for a baby whose mother was undergoing chemotherapy.

Length of publication: 2 pages.

Some important notes: This article is available in full text to all NHS Staff using Athens, for more information about accessing full text follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Inside track: breastfeeding and returning to work……working out the details.

Source: Journal of Human Lactation, 2012, 28 (1), p.87-88.

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Date of publication: February, 2012.

Publication type: Journal article.

In a nutshell: An advice sheet aimed at breastfeeding mothers who are planning their return to work.

Length of publication: 2 pages.

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Learning the hard way: expectations and experiences of infant feeding support

Source: Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care, 2012, early view: DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-536X.2011.00509.x

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Date of publication: 9^th January, 2012.

Publication type: Research.

In a nutshell: Results of a large-scale national survey which aimed to gain a better understanding of what support is needed in the post-partum period to enable women to initiate and continue to breast feed their babies.

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Maternal diet and breastfeeding: A case for rethinking physiological explanations for breastfeeding determinants

Source: Early Human Development, 2011, doi:10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2011.11.002 (in press)

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Date of publication: November, 2011.

Publication type: Research.

In a nutshell: This paper examines the relationship between maternal diet and duration of breastfeeding.  The authors found that although there was a correlation between higher maternal vegetable & fruit intake and longer breastfeeding, there was no causal relationship.  However, it was noted that a broader understanding of the social determinants of breastfeeding is needed.

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Gender differences in the effect of breastfeeding on adult psychological well-being

Source: European Journal of Public Health, 2011, doi:10.1093/eurpub/ckr135

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Date of publication: October 2011

Publication type: Research.

In a nutshell: This study uses data from the National Child Development Study (1958) and the British Cohort Study (1970) to explore the hypothesis that breastfed babies would have higher psychological well-being in adulthood in relation to the pathway of childhood psychological adjustment. After taking socio-demographic factors at birth into account, the study found that being breastfed contributed to psychological well-being in women, but not men.

Length of publication: 6 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

An account of significant events influencing Australian breastfeeding practice over the last 40 years.

Source: Women & Birth

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Date of publication: October, 2011.

Publication type: Review.

In a nutshell: A literature review identifying key events over the last 40 years that appear to have been instrumental in the decrease in breastfeeding rates in Australia and the rise of reported breastfeeding complications.

Length of publication: 8 pages.

Why do so many mums stop breastfeeding?

Source: BBC

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Date of publication: 20 August 2011

In a nutshell: This article discusses possible reasons why women stop breastfeeding earlier than recommended.

Publication type: News story

Length of publication:  1 page

Mums who choose bottle over breastfeeding ‘demonised’

Source: BBC

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Date of publication: December 2010

In a nutshell: A senior lecturer discusses some of the implications of a strident “breast is best” policy on the attitudes and behaviour of some mothers.

Publication type: Comment

Length of publication: 1 page

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Barriers to breastfeeding – a New Zealand literature review

Source: Public Health Association, New Zealand

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Date of publication:  September 2010

In a nutshell: A New Zealand literature review looked into rates of and barriers to breastfeeding.  It suggests that rates were worse in some parts of the population due to several factors, partly cultural but also due to economic and information poverty.  For example, mothers who did not attend ante-natal classes were less informed and therefore “less likely to start breastfeeding or continue for longer periods”.  Mothers also had concerns about not being able to provide enough milk.  Other factors include smoking, the need to return to work and a lack of family support.

Publication type: Press release

Length of publication: 2 pages